While it is apparent that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has given a great deal of thought to the regulation of cable systems, the basic success or failure of cable as a communications service will depend on local development. Relatively little guidance has been provided to local franchising authorities for selecting among applicants, for designing franchise areas or determining what services a community needs. The rules in these areas have purposely been left ambiguous and fluid in order to allow the greatest amount of local impact in an area where only local answers can ensure that a cable system will serve the public interest. This guide specifically describes the FCC's role and the regulatory process in regard to cable television. The current problems, such as access and origination cablecasting, enlargement of channel capacity, pay-cable, and competition with broadcast television signals are revealed and discussed with appropriate references to FCC decisions and opinions. (MC)